Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a deceased person.
The AFL community has been rocked by the death of former North Melbourne player Phoenix Spicer at age 23, with his family and the Kangaroos issuing heartbreaking statements. The sister of Spicer’s partner revealed his death on social media.
“We are devastated to share that last night we tragically lost our brother Phoenix Spicer. A beautiful, loyal and strong Nunggubuyu man,” Dharna Nicholson-Bux wrote.
“Phoenix will forever be our beloved brother, uncle, son, a partner to Ky-ya and a second dad to Jordy. Our hearts are broken with your sudden loss, you are watching over us in the Dreaming now my brother we will miss you! Forever 23.”
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood (L) said the club are devastated by the death of Phoenix Spicer (R). Image: Getty
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said in a statement: “Phoenix was only at the club for a short time but he was a popular and well-liked member of the playing group. On behalf of the club, I would like pass on my condolences to Phoenix’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Spicer was drafted by the Roos with the 42nd pick of the 2020 draft, and went on to play 12 games at AFL level for North Melbourne. He was de-listed at the end of 2023, and had spent the last two seasons with the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Footscray.
Spicer played 18 games for Footscray, and he was named as an emergency player in the club’s VFL grand final victory in September. The Bulldogs said: “The club extends its deepest condolences to Spicer’s friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected.”
Phoenix Spicer (centre) before a game for North Melbourne in 2023. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
AFL world heartbroken over death of Phoenix Spicer
The AFL Players’ Association said support services were available for any past or present players who needed them. “The AFLPA continues to offer free and confidential wellbeing support nationwide to all current and past player members as well as their significant others,” they said in a statement.
Spicer had signed for Hoppers Crossing in the Western Region Football League for the 2026 season. Hoppers Crossing is coached by Spicer’s former Kangaroos teammate Jared Polec.
A proud Nunggubuyu man, Spicer helped artist Emma Bamblett design North Melbourne’s guernsey for Indigenous Round in 2023. The strip featured each of the team’s First Nations players’ totems, including Spicer’s totem the barramundi fish.
Readers seeking support and information can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.